Why
Why
will I collect data in the way I have decided?
I discussed my
research into different data collection methods in a previous post and now I
want to explain my reasons for choosing a case study research approach by highlighting
the pros and cons of each method:
As I explored
different methods I swayed from one to another, at first I thought maybe a
phenomenological approach was best, exploring the phenomenon of inclusive arts
practice here and in the UK, but this didn't seem to satisfy the need to
explore what was happening in terms of the how and why in inclusive arts in the
two places. It didn’t allow for a comparison between the two in terms of human
thoughts and actions either. Some methods seemed too inflexible for this
project such as the grounded methods; this also required an intense amount of
time collecting data to prove a theory in one area. At one point the
ethnographical method seemed a good fit, but again it was focused on one area
and looked more at the behavior within the culture and the reasoning, rather
than allowing for an exploration in to personal experienced and attitudes and a
comparisons of these from different places. In the end I settled on a case
study approach. This method would give me the freedom to explore and discuss what
was happening in terms of inclusive arts work at Epic Arts and then see how
these practices and the attitudes that support them compared to those in the
UK.
Why have I chosen to select some
people and not others for interviews?
I have chosen the
people I will interview for a number of reasons. The first being the aims and
objectives of my project. The questions focuses on the perceptions, experiences
and practices of activity participants,
facilitators and programme managers of Epic Arts
Cambodia and congruous organisations in the UK. So I needed to focus on these
people at Epic Arts and also will look for the same in the UK:
- Activity participants
- Facilitators
- Programme managers
- Male – 17
- Female – 12
- Khmer – 20
- Non-Khmer - 7
- Disabled – 14
- Non-Disabled – 13
To ensure that I
can collect data that is similar to this in the UK, I can use these numbers as
a guide to determine whom I will interview. I have displayed the details in a spreadsheet
to enable me to replicate the participants as closely as I can when in the UK.
When
When
will I do the interviews/observations?
Regarding my
planned timeline for the project, I will collect data in Cambodia during June,
July and August and in the UK during November and December. I have been able to
put together a timetable for interviews and observations in Cambodia (see previous blog post), but I can’t do the UK timetable at present as we are still
in the process of confirming dates. I will be able to do this next month.
Where
Where
will the data collection happen?
This is probably the
easiest question to answer. Data collection will happen at Epic Arts Cambodia
and then in congruous arts organisations in the UK that will include the
following:
Where will I record and store my data?
I will use audio
and video recording equipment to keep track of the data I collect and I will
keep this on my computer and a back-up disk. Some of information will be
shared, along with my thoughts on the public blog. This will act as a platform
for my ideas and also a way of recording data for further analysis later.
How
How
will I do the interviews/observations?
In order for the
interviews and therefore the data collected to be high quality data that can accurately
be read and analogized I need to insure that all interviews are conducted in
the same way. I need an ‘Interview Protocol’;
“…..the rules that guide the
administration and implementation of interviews ….the instructions that are
followed for each interview, to ensure consistency between interviews and thus
increase the reliability of the findings”.
(Boyce.
C and Neale. 2006. p5)
I will do this
though the interview guide that I discussed in my previous blog. I will then refer
to the guide at each interview and observation to ensure that each one happens
in the same way.
How will I record the data and how will I organize
it for analysis?
As I have
mentioned previously, I will video and audio record my interviews and
observations and also take descriptive notes on a situation that is observed or
the interviewee. Once each interview or observation is done, I will record the
answers and notes in a table for each question, including details of when and where
the data collection took place. This way I will have all the data related to
that question in one place. Here is an example:
Once all the data
collection is complete in Cambodia I will be able to decipherer the main themes
and then begin to arrange notes and quotes in to tables that collate the themes
together. Because I am a visual learner and it helps to see my ideas in front
of me in physical form, so I may use post-it notes to keep a record of
information gathered and be able to arrange these in to themes on a board or
even on a washing line. As much as I enjoy research, as a creative I need to
make things fun and visually interesting to encourage me and inspire me, so if
I can get creative about the way I arrange or code my research I think it will
really help me. Something like these ideas might be helpful for me.
References
Boyce. C and Neale. (2006) Conducting
In-Depth Interviews: A Guide for Designing and Conducting In-Depth Interviews
for Evaluation Input. Pathfinder International. USA
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